The most common mistake people make when buying a portable power station is getting one that is either too small (and runs out mid-trip) or too large (and costs more than necessary). This guide helps you figure out the right size for your specific needs.
Understanding Watt-Hours
Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). One watt-hour means one watt of power used for one hour. A 60W laptop running for 5 hours uses 300Wh. Simple math, but it is the foundation of sizing.
Important: Real-world usable capacity is typically 80-90% of the rated number. A 1,000Wh station delivers roughly 800-900Wh of usable energy due to conversion losses and the battery management system reserving a buffer.
Step 1: List Your Devices
Write down everything you plan to power and note the wattage of each device. Check the label on the charger or the device itself.
| Device | Typical Watts | Hours/Day | Wh/Day | |-------------------|---------------|-----------|---------| | Phone charger | 20W | 2h | 40 Wh | | Laptop | 60W | 5h | 300 Wh | | LED camp light | 10W | 6h | 60 Wh | | Mini fridge | 45W | 24h | 540 Wh |* | CPAP machine | 30W | 8h | 240 Wh | | Drone charger | 65W | 1h | 65 Wh |
*Mini fridges cycle on and off, so actual draw averages 40-60% of rated watts.
Step 2: Calculate Daily Usage
Add up the Wh/Day column for every device you plan to use. This gives your daily energy requirement.
Multiply your total by 1.2 to account for inverter efficiency losses. If your devices need 500Wh, look for at least 600Wh of rated capacity.
Step 3: Match to a Size Category
Based on your daily needs, here are the general size brackets:
Small (200-500Wh): Phones, tablets, cameras, LED lights. Perfect for day trips and weekend camping where you just need to keep electronics charged. Lightweight (5-15 lbs).
Medium (500-1,500Wh): Add a laptop, small fan, or drone charging. Good for weekend camping with moderate power needs. This is the sweet spot for most campers. Weight range: 15-30 lbs.
Large (1,500-3,000Wh): Mini fridges, CPAP machines, multiple devices at once. Ideal for extended trips or home backup. Heavier at 30-50 lbs, typically car camping only.
Extra Large (3,000Wh+): Power tools, space heaters, full home circuits during outages. These are semi-portable at 50+ lbs and often have wheels.
Step 4: Consider Recharging
If you can recharge during your trip (via solar panels or your vehicle), you can get by with a smaller station. A 500Wh unit paired with a 200W solar panel can deliver 1,000+ Wh per day in good conditions.
Without recharging options, size your station for total trip duration: daily Wh multiplied by number of days.
Common Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended Size | Why | |-----------------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------| | Weekend car camping | 500-1,000 Wh | Phones, lights, small devices | | Week-long camping + solar | 1,000 Wh | Solar refills during the day | | Home backup (essentials) | 1,500-2,000 Wh | Fridge, lights, WiFi for 6-12 hours | | Remote work setup | 500-1,000 Wh | Laptop, monitor, WiFi hotspot | | Vanlife / RV full-time | 2,000-3,000 Wh | Full daily power needs |
Our Size Recommendations
For most campers, a station in the 1,000Wh range offers the best balance of capability and portability. The EcoFlow Delta 2 at 1,024Wh covers virtually every camping scenario. If you only need to charge phones and small electronics, the EcoFlow River 2 at 256Wh saves weight and money. For extended trips, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 pairs well with Jackery's solar panel ecosystem.